Entrepreneurship

From vision to Venture Quest to reality—that's the course charted by sisters Lindsey and Sydney Swing and their start-up company Swing Mobility Aids, LLC. Their product? A souped-up walker geared to disabled youths and adults, as well as active seniors. After learning about the many injuries caused by devices currently on the market, current UO business major Lindsey sketched out a better product. Next, she and her sister Sydney—a UO alum—interviewed people currently using mobility aids.

Don Upson is quick to give all the credit to his students, but it's no coincidence that year after year his students launch successful startups. The success of Shady Peeps, FloraGenex, Perpetua Power, Innovative Sports Strategies, Sunburst, and dozens more is a testament to Don's teaching, dedication, and mentorship. In recognition of Upson's contributions to advancing the economic vitality of the state, the reputation of the college, and the lives of students, the college has honored Upson as the 2011 Thomas C. Stewart Distinguished Professor. Congratulations Don.

Cash prizes, plus the opportunity to get real-world feedback from area business leaders—these were the awards teams of entrepreneurship students competed for in the annual graduate Venture Quest this past December. Each team's presentation was followed by a rapid-fire Q&A with contest judges. The winning project? VisiRay, a unique pest-detection technology presented by Walther Buecklers, Andrew Cook, Matt Eskue, and Orit Ofr. Runner-up was ShadyPeeps, a student-launched company that has already sold 3,500 pairs of university-themed sunglasses.

You developed a potential life-saving technology. Now, you have to get it to market. Roger Newton, codiscoverer of Lipitor, shared his insights on the trials and tribulations of technology commercialization with students and faculty across campus on October 21. Newton was the first invited speaker for the Lundquist Center for Entrepreneurship's new Distinguished Lecture Series. 

You may have seen them around campus or caught a glimpse of them at Autzen Stadium. Shady Peeps sunglasses are showing up on Duck fans all around Eugene and Portland. Don't know what we're talking about? Shady Peeps are polarized, university-themed sunglasses that come in yellow and green, and they are blowing up with the help of MBA student Caleb Iorg, applying his education in real time.